Posts Tagged "EPA"
Is Radon Harmfull to your Lungs?
Radon has been under the microscope for its effects to our health sense it was brought to our attention as home owners. Up untile recently there has been many skeptics that have always argued radon effects on our lungs, stating there has never been conclusive data that has proven the true effects of radon. A recent study done by chemist at the University of Pennsylvania, has shown that Radon does bond with discrete molecules ( such as lung tissue). As well the study shows what higher levels can cause as more molecule binding is seen at higher rates of Radon. This was a big step for the education on Radon and the community. The team of Chemist lead by a Professor Ivan J. Dmochowski used a process that came from xenon gas. Xenon Gas is a noble gas like Radon. With this test they can now use this to test Radon binding on Proteins in our lungs, and if we know Radon’s affinity for those proteins, you can get a better idea of the concentrations and timescale over which it is dangerous.
To read more on this recent breakthrough Click Here
How to read a manometer on your Radon system
This is an easy way to tell if your radon system is pulling the right amount of air for the type of system you have, also it
will help you know if your system is in need of service by one of our technicians. The readout on the manometer should be between 0.5in – 1.75in. In most cases these are acceptable levels indicating, your system is operating correct. When your Radon system is shut off the fluid should rest at zero if it does not then your manometer is low on fluid. It is important to understand that these readouts will indicate if your system is in need of any maintentance and should be serviced.EPA Steping Up Lead Paint Enforcement
The EPA has just announced that they will be three more enforcement actions for violations of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP). They are requiring the use of lead safe work practices. It is to ensure that activities such as sanding, cutting and demolition, which can create hazardous lead dust, are conducted properly by trained and certified contractors. The problem that occurs during renovations with lead based products present, is that the dust gets thrown into the air. The lead in the product is not very harmful to us. But when it is air born and becomes a fine particle it is then inhaled and this raising the chances for Lead related health problems, such as mesothelioma. The reason these enforcement have been made is to protect the property owners, as well help with the liability of lawsuits against landlords. Just recently Colin Wentworth, a rental property owner had to pay 10,000 to resolve a violation of the RRP rules. Which was a complaint that stated he was using power equipment to get paint off of an exterior wall. So the enforcements are about protecting our families and our neighborhoods. The more prevelent lead becomes the stricter the rules will become on lead. This is to help keep what is most important safe, our families. This crack down on lead is spreading throughout the nation.
Mold Home test Kits, Are the Worth It?
There was a recent article in the New York Times about the affects of mold on health. This article advised homeowners to use home test kits to detect the presence of mold. These home test kits are not reliable thus causing other problems. The following list the problems that the home test kits may entail.
Mold is a naturally occurring organism that is present in almost every environment. Home mold test kits that use ‘settle plate applications’ (the test where a dish is left out for 24-48 hours). These test generally do not measure the airborne particles accurately. Spores vary in shape, size, and weight. The heavier mold spores will fall through the air faster then the smaller mold spores. thus being represented in larger quantities in the dish then the light mold spores. Since most environments contain mold spores in the air, it becomes difficult to determine weather the spores that are collected, are part of a dangerous indoor colony or just from the outdoor environment.
The do-it-yourself mold test kits often cause homeowners to make rash decisions ether because feel as if the mold that is present is not harmful or that the mold is harmful and then they end up making a costly decision to remodel there home. The accuracy of these test are terrible even if a lab test for the molds they might not be able to detect hidden molds. So the homeowner can no longer properly assess the situation. Most of the time people either do to much or do not do enough.
The bottom line is that if you are concerned about your homes indoor air quality, contact a professional testing service, preferably one that is Certified. With the professional testing services you will get better interpretations an analysis of the mold. Allowing you to make informed choices. Your decision can make all of the difference between potential health problems for you our your family. The best choice is to have the job handled professionally, properly, and quickly.
Radon In Colorado Could lose funding
Recently President Obama has been making many budget cuts and the list of areas where money will be taken out for this years budget deficit, has been released. There is one area on that list that brings some concern towards our countries indoor air quality. The EPA will experience a 2 million dollar budget cut in the indoor air quality department. Political view aside I believe that putting money towards keeping our families safe is just as important as saving money. When will enough be enough. Now we have to make it known that we don’t want this money to be taken away. CASNAR has already started making arrangements to talk to the government officials and try to get some of our funding back. This could hurt our country more then the bail out. the link that follows is a letter to our president from a women who had lost her husband to Radon and is trying to get it across to President Obama that the EPA needs that money. Click here
